How To Consistently Make A Good Bump In Volleyball

The bump -- sometimes called a forearm pass -- is mostly used as a pass in volleyball. When an attack is served from the opposing team, bumps allow you to dig deep and pass the ball to a setter to ready for an answering attack. Because bumps are used for passing and digging, they should be precisely executed with the proper technique each and every time or suffer from passes gone astray or weak returns. Practice makes perfect in ensuring your bumps are strong and precise.

Step 1

Practice the ideal technique for bumping a ball. Remember that properly executed basics are more of an advantage to you in volleyball than sloppy trick plays. Start with your knees shoulder-width apart and your knees bent.

Step 2

Layer your dominant hand over your nondominant and clasp the fingers of your nondominant hand over those of your dominant. Practice to see what feels most comfortable for you, ensuring that your two thumbs meet in the middle, facing the ceiling without overlapping.

Step 3

Ask a friend or teammate to toss the ball in the air. Shuffle your legs side to side to position yourself directly under the volleyball. As the volleyball comes downward, keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Make contact with the ball at the base of your thumbs, not your forearms.

Step 4

Hold your arms steady when you make contact. Bumps never require upward motion through the forearms, only a slight tilt of the wrists and solid contact with the ball. Practice directing the ball by tilting your clasped hands in different directions to pass to another teammate.

Step 5

Run drills with teammates to perfect your bump. Some drills include having a teammate toss the ball in the air then reposition himself on the court. You then shuffle to meet the ball, then bump to your teammate for setting. Or, practice returning an attack from a teammate serving the ball to you.

Step 6

Utilize the bump properly during game play. Prepare for the proper bump technique in steps by first positioning yourself under the ball, then preparing your arms, then making solid contact with the ball to direct it elsewhere on the court. If you cannot get your body under the ball in time, lunge with your legs to ensure that your wrists are positioned under the ball for contact.